One week later. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I felt discouraged. I’m still chugging along but I just feel like nothing is working out. I don’t know what my problem is but I’m determined to figure it out. I tried to do some different kinds of illustrations, using different mediums but nothing seemed to work. Maybe I just have to get this whole incredibly detailed thought out of my head… or perhaps I should embrace it? I know I’ll get there but I wish I could move on more smoothly.

I had some more subject matter pop into my head. Of course I’m still working on the thought of the National Parks. I think it would make a great subject matter, but I feel that the best way to showcase it is to use very detailed drawings such as already seen in money around the world. Another idea I had was America’s great architecture: featuring different buildings on different notes. This led me to think about using different cities on each note and incorporating parts of the cultures in each city. I think I could use different styles successfully with this subject matter. Although I haven’t gotten there yet physically yet. I do however have some sketches to show of the national parks notes. They’re FAR from being finished but it at least gives me some form of layout to work with.

Honestly I wish I was much further and I’m freaking out about it. Like I said, I’m struggling. But here are my sketches so far.

When I got discouraged this week I started playing with patterns from the images I already had and found something beautiful in the details of the little things in money. I really liked showcasing these patterns and they gave me some inspiration so for what it’s worth, here are a couple of the patterns I made. I might make more and maybe try and apply them to something or make a book or something. I figured I’m not just limited to making a new currency, I can certainly do more and these are quick, fun, and inspirational.

Hope you enjoy those quick little designs. I hope to get a lot more done this week. Here’s hoping I get through my struggles.